How to Grow Orchids From Cuttings

Dendrobium orchids are native to Asia, Polynesia and Australia.

While most orchids (Orchidaceae) are only hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 10b, the vibrant flowers make excellent indoor specimens when given adequate soil and moisture. If you have one of more than 1,200 species of Dendrobium orchids, you can propagate the plant from stem cuttings to grow several orchids with the same characteristics as the mother plant.

1

Cut a stem on your orchid at least 12 inches long near the base using pruning shears or a sharp knife. Divide the stem into several 3- to 4-inch sections, making sure each segment has a dormant bud.

2

Line a shallow tray with sphagnum moss, and mist the moss until it is thoroughly damp. Place the cuttings in the tray. Cover the tray with polyurethane plastic wrap and place in a location that's at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit and out of direct sunlight.

3

Fill one 3- to 4-inch pot per orchid plantlet with fir bark potting mix to within an inch of the top of the container. Once the orchid stem segments have sprouted small plantlets from the buds, place one in each container, covering the remaining stem segment and roots with potting mix.

4

Line a tray with smooth, flat stones and add enough water to nearly cover the stones. Place the orchid pot on top of the stones to keep the air around the orchid humid. Keep your new orchids in an area that receives bright, indirect light, and mist them daily. Dendrobium orchids prefer temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the species, and a minimum night temperature of 50 degrees for maximum flowering.

5

Water your new orchids until water leaks from the bottom drainage holes once per week and fertilize every three weeks with a liquid orchid fertilizer from spring to mid-fall. Alternately, dip the bottom of the container in a bucket of water, allowing it to soak through the drainage holes.

Things You Will Need

Pruning shears or knife

Tray

Sphagnum moss

Spray bottle

Polyurethane plastic wrap

3- to 4-inch containers

Fir bark potting mix

Plant tray

Stones

Orchid fertilizer

Tip

Limit watering by allowing the potting mix surface to dry out between waterings, stop fertilizing and move your orchid to a cooler location in the winter to promote blooming the following spring.

Warning

About the Author

Lydia Stephens began writing professionally in 2009. She has written online for Nile Guides, SheKnows.com and various other websites and has been published in "Stringing Magazine" and "Xiamen Wave." Stephens played competitive soccer for 19 years, has been weight lifting since 2007 and enjoys running, biking and sailing. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Texas.